Thanet Community Champions
Celebrating the unsung heroes who make our community a better place to live, work, and thrive.
Thanet Community Champions Awards 2026
Following the huge success of last year’s inaugural event, Thanet District Council and Social Enterprise Kent (SEK) are proud to have launched the Thanet Community Champion Awards 2026!
The awards will once again celebrate the incredible work of local individuals and organisations dedicated to improving life in Thanet. Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, these awards highlight the essential role played by the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in enhancing the quality of life for residents across the district.
The Thanet Community Champion Awards aim to highlight and celebrate the people and organisations who go above and beyond in supporting their communities, whether they are volunteers, charity workers, youth leaders, or the unsung heroes quietly making a significant impact.
Winners will be announced at a special event in January 2026. The event will also include networking opportunities for members of the VCSE sector, allowing them to build relationships, share best practices, and foster collaboration for an even greater community impact
Who can nominate?
NOMINATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED FOR THE THANET COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS AWARDS 2026
Anyone! Whether you’re part of a VCSE organisation, or a resident inspired by their efforts, we want to hear from you.
If you’d like help completing a nomination form, paper versions of the nomination form are available for completion at SE Kitchen, St George’s Hall, Broad Street, Ramsgate and speak to Justin Nikols, or pop into Social Enterprise Kent 63-65 High Street, Margate CT9 1DX, speak to Lily Whitehead.
This event is being delivered by Social Enterprise Kent on behalf of Thanet District Council and is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Rebecca Smith, CEO Social Enterprise Kent
“We are thrilled to once again partner with Thanet District Council to deliver the Thanet Community Champions Awards in 2026. This year’s event was such a rewarding celebration, and we can’t wait to hear more incredible stories from across Thanet. It’s an honour to recognise the dedication and passion of our community champions.”
Bob Porter, Director of Place at Thanet District Council
“Each year, countless people give their time to community groups and voluntary organisations in Thanet. Their aim is simply to improve the lives of local people, and together, they make a remarkable impact.
I’m delighted that the Thanet Community Champions Awards are returning in 2026, to shine a light on the work that goes on in every corner of the district. These awards are the perfect way for us to give people the recognition they deserve.
I would encourage as many people as possible to submit a nomination; this is our opportunity to show how much we appreciate our local champions.”
Community Champions 2025
Want to see what it is all about, take a look at this years event, hosted by Thanet District Council in partnership with Social Enterprise Kent, the awards honoured the individuals and organisations making a real difference in their communities.
In all, 33 winners were each awarded a framed certificate at the ceremony at The Pavilion in Broadstairs. Nine winners were recognised as overall champions in their category and received an engraved Community Champions award. The overall winner, STAKlife CIC, won the highest accolade, Champion of Champions.
Local people were invited to submit nominations for their Community Champions in October 2024. A total of 157 nominations were received, with the winning entries selected by a panel including the Mayors of Margate and Broadstairs, Thanet District Council Cabinet member for Regeneration and Property, Cllr Ruth Duckworth and CEO of Social Enterprise Kent, Rebecca Smith.
Working in partnership with
